Leadership skills program prepares graduates for the future of work
![Computer in a sunny office building](/Public/CAC/300x275%20%28News%20Stories%29/Future%20Office%20Badge%20Story%20Photo.png)
Amidst a backdrop of a dynamic job market and the rapid spread of generative AI in the workplace, 30 new graduates from the Class of 2024 spent their June developing leadership skills through a virtual course that will help them stand out as candidates.
The course, led by 91社区 Graduate School of Management faculty, was funded through a generous gift from the Butler Family Foundation to support new graduates and foster business ethics in the workplace. Started as a support for new graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, the program is now in its fifth successful year.
Every Monday evening, graduates logged on to participate in interactive webinars with industry professionals, gaining insight into in-demand career skills, and earning a digital badge they can include on resumes and online profiles.
A central focus was expanding graduates’ views on how they can present themselves as job candidates and as professionals in both physical and virtual spaces, said Xitlaly Espinosa ’24, a psychology major and transfer student. While taking the course online, Espinosa also started a role as a mental health technician with the Illinois Department of Human Services at Kiley Developmental Center in Waukegan, which she accepted ahead of graduation.
“Professionalism can be shown in a variety of ways, not just those that meet the eye,” she said. “This course taught me the importance of how we present ourselves on social media, which includes platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. It’s important to stay professional while simultaneously choosing to share parts of who you are and what you do.”
Cameron Penn ’24, a business major and theater minor, used the course to get an edge as he applies to jobs in the Chicago area. He said that in addition to learning the course content, he found the advice of the professionals who led the classes and shared their advice to be equally helpful.
“During the last class, we had a chance to network with business executives,” Penn said. “It was really interesting to get their opinions on what to look out for in the job search.”
This session allowed graduates to apply their networking skills at a virtual panel and mixer with professionals who could speak to the new skills needed in the workplace. Panelists included:
- Cristen Kogl ’88, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Zebra Technologies
- Donell B. Harmon-Parker ’99, Director of Talent Acquisition, Optum Rx Integrated Pharmacies (a division of United Health Group)
- Bridget Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, Emergency Nurses Association
- Larry Brand, Chief Human Resources Officer, Justrite Safety Group
Another key topic this year was preparing graduates for leadership in the context of generative AI and rapidly changing job descriptions.
Penn said he took away a stronger understanding of when to use—and not use—generative AI in the workplace and in the job search.
“AI is being used in so many different ways, especially in the workforce and especially for so many companies,” he said. “Depending on your job role, it can give you a good starting point for quickly accessing certain topics that you have questions about. [For example], I have asked Chat GPT ‘Can you give me ten really good videos to watch on YouTube that will help me prepare for a job interview?’ and it created a helpful list.”
Graduates need to embrace the generative AI tools available now and keep up with new developments to stay competitive as candidates, said panelist Donell B. Harmon-Parker ’99, Director of Talent Acquisition at Optum Rx Integrated Pharmacies.
“The technology is coming fast and furious,” she said. “There’s some people that are being left behind because they are choosing not to use the technology that is at our disposal, not choosing to have the growth mindset.”
That gap is where Foresters can distinguish themselves, Harmon-Parker said. While graduates need to be mindful about avoiding sharing proprietary information and operating within an organization’s policies, gen AI brings forth many opportunities.
“Be excited about it,” she said. “I think some of [the use of AI] makes our job a whole lot easier and exciting.”
Foresters have a unique advantage in positioning themselves as inventive users of generative AI because of the skills they developed as undergraduates, Vice President for Careers and Athletics Jackie Slaats said.
“Using AI in the workplace is not just about learning a new technology,” she said. “It’s about asking questions and thinking critically about content. Our graduates spent four years doing that, and as a result, are well prepared to use AI ethically and effectively.”
Contact Information
Gorter Family Career Advancement Center
256 Brown Hall, Middle Campus
847-735-5235
careers@lakeforest.edu
Hours
Academic Year: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Follow Us!